Sunday, October 26, 2008

There are a couple of recurring themes here, with respect to my series predictions. The first is that the Phillies' starting staff has pitched better than I thought. Last night, Jamie Moyer out-pitched Matt Garza, allowing 3 runs on 5 hits and a walk, with 5 strikeouts, over 6 1/3 innings. With Garza lasting 6 innings, and giving up 4 runs on 3 home runs, it was the third game in a row that the Rays' starter has failed to last as long as his counterpart.

The second is related to the lefty vs. lefty matchups. While Chase Utley hasn't been shut down as badly as Ryan Howard, it has proved beneficial to the Rays that these two bat consecutively in the order. J.P. Howell came on in the 8th and struck out Utley and Howard back-to-back, although his 9th inning HBP of Eric Bruntlett eventually earned him the loss and the Phillies a 2-1 series lead.